Antique Japanese Ivory Netsuke
Gamma Sennin
Carrying Big Toad
Netsuke Signature: unsigned, 19th century
H 2.4 in.(6cm), W 1.25 in.(3cm), D 1in.(2.5cm)
Condition: minor chip to toes, o.a. excellent!

Antique carving in fine walrus ivory, marked with striations and age cracks; cream to gold in color with allover patina and glossy surface; highly translucent. Depicting Gama Sennin walking forward carrying a leaf shaped fan, accompanied by his faithful frog. A somewhat unusual version of the immortal rustic, usually seen in a mugwort cape and looking aged. However, he is able to change his appearance through magic, and is occasionally seen in courtly robes, as in this carving, with its delicately thinned hems and finely engraved motif of spider webs.